Baalke: 49ers aren’t shopping LaMichael James

Today, Baalke denied the 49ers are attempting to deal their 2012 second-round pick, who is reportedly being shopped around the league. James, who has expressed dissatisfaction with his role on social media during his two-year, 39-carry career, is not attending the team’s offseason program. A source has said he’d welcome a trade.

Last week, James’ agent, Jeff Sperbeck, told The Chronicle his client had no plans to attend their mostly voluntary nine-week program and would work out in his native Texas. The 49ers’ veteran minicamp – the only mandatory event on the offseason schedule – is June 17-19.

Baalke said he’s not upset James isn’t in attendance. James, he said, recently became a father.

“He just had a young child,” Baalke said. “He has a new baby at home, settling into life. Understand this: This is voluntarily.”

Baalke was asked if James’ absence was purely for family reasons.

“Once again, that’s my understanding,” Baalke said. “Again, if a guy’s not here, I’m not on the phone calling to see why he’s not here because it’s voluntary. We have to respect that. The (NFL’s collective bargaining agreement) demands that we respect that and we certainly do as an organization. There’s others that are not here, either.”

Baalke, who is aware of James’ complaints on social media, said neither the running back nor his agent have requested a trade.

“He’s a competitor,” Baalke said. “I would be disappointed if he wasn’t disappointed that he wasn’t getting on the field as much as he wanted to … If you’re a competitor you want to be on the field.”